Series: Willow Winters
Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 94417 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 472(@200wpm)___ 378(@250wpm)___ 315(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94417 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 472(@200wpm)___ 378(@250wpm)___ 315(@300wpm)
One breath in. One breath out. My delicate and soft cream sheer gown clings to me as I grow nearer my destiny. The organza flutters behind me, as if it wishes to escape. And yet, one foot after the other, I persist.
The opulent halls of Olympus stretch out before me, decorated with gold filigree and archways that look out on a perfect sky and gardens that are always filled with flowers. As I get closer to the heart of the court, more souls cross my path. Servants go about their duties and courtiers speak to one another in low voices. They watch me as I pass, but none of them say a word to me.
With my head held high, I try to remain calm the closer I get to the main hall. Olympus represents my father’s power. Every part of it is a reflection of his place among the gods. Every step I take reminds me that I don’t have a place here any longer. It has always been so easy for him to rule, seeming to be so effortless, but no matter how hard I try, I can’t keep even the simplest of divine magic. My father is on a pedestal above me, more powerful than I can ever dream of being, and with every second that passes I’m more intimidated by his strength.
It’s too quiet as I approach the main hall. As I enter through the wide doorway, I’m proven right. The court is absent of its typical celebrations. In the main hall, Nike is not hovering over Athena. She graces the prestigious seat next to my father who sits with his back straight on his throne, lightning bolts propped beside him, waiting for when he may need such chaos to punish the skies.
The dais and the thrones are the most opulent pieces of the court by far. It looks to have been made from the sun itself, if you could take the sun and fashion it into gold. Aphrodite stands in front of Zeus and Athena. She and Athena are sisters of different mothers, but both of them are stunningly beautiful and so powerful. The Goddess of War Strategy and the Arts and the Goddess of Love and Beauty. Although Aphrodite has also been known as a victor of war herself. I wish I still felt worthy of sitting with them, the way I used to. As their sister and their counter. The Goddess of Life.
They speak to each other, their voices low, and they do not stop their conversation as I enter. No matter how my heart rages in my chest, they do not seem to hear it nor my steps. I hover near the doorway, not wanting to interrupt, but knowing I have to see my father sooner rather than later. I do not wish to shame him, nor do I want pity. I have failed and all will know it soon enough. My exit will be swift if he will allow. I know my mother will fight for my residence but I do not want war between the Gods. I do not wish her to fight for me. My mother would comfort me, protect me, take care of me, but I don’t want pity. I need only her to love me even after I have fled.
My palms sweat from nervousness. Does my father know I am losing my powers? Have the whispers of the Fates found their way to his throne?
I just want to know what I can do to bring my powers back if there is a quest I may complete. My throat tenses and itches with every syllable of the pleas that wish to be heard. For mercy and a way out that grants grace.
If I were being truthful I would sink to my knees, even here at the doorway, because that is the station I am about to have in life. Without powers I am not worthy to stand in front of my father. I do not interrupt the conversation happening in front of me, thankful for the murderous moments that delay the inevitable and yet dying from them just the same.
Instead, I wait, remembering what Beatrice told me: be careful of your thoughts. They are more powerful than you can imagine. I wish I could control them now. But they spiral and I have no way to stop them.
I laughed when Beatrice told me that, but now the memory brings fear to my being. I am too aware of how negative my thoughts have become. The thoughts scare me as well, and standing before my father, I am filled with fear for what is to come.
Their voices move over me as I try to quell my panic. Athena is my father’s favorite for all to know. Even if he did attempt to kill her mother whilst she was carrying her. Fate may be cruel, but my father is crueler at times. And still, he rules, and he loves us. Although his love is shown in the most brutal of ways at times. Very much the antithesis of my mother.